Attendees connect at a Women in Petfood Leadership event during last year's Petfood Forum.
Paul Ward Photography
Women in Petfood Leadership (WIPL) will have a visible presence at Petfood Forum 2026, offering attendees multiple opportunities to connect with a community dedicated to advancing women's careers across the pet food industry.
WIPL brings together professional women — and men who support its mission — to build community through networking, career planning, leadership development and mentorship. The program is open to all who support the principles of cooperation, education, mentoring and encouragement for women in the pet food industry.
Booth 527: A hub for networking and information
Located near the Tech Talk Stage and lunch area, Booth 527 will serve as WIPL's home base throughout the conference. Visitors can learn about WIPL's Mentorship Program and upcoming meetups as well as find a space to relax and reconnect with colleagues.
The WIPL Mentorship Program pairs mentees with established pet food industry leaders for online discussions on a flexible schedule.
"Our Mentorship Program sits at the heart of the WIPL purpose which is to support women in advancing their careers as leaders within the pet food industry," said Kathy Gross, Ph.D., adjunct professor with the Kansas State University Pet Food Program. "The WIPL Mentorship program is important because it's designed to build skills, confidence and networks that empower women in our industry to achieve their goals."
Beyond the booth, WIPL is organizing two dedicated events during the conference:
Tuesday, April 28, 4:15–6 p.m. | Women in Petfood Leadership networking event
Taking place during Exhibit Hall Happy Hour at Booth 527, this session offers a fun Click & Connect networking activity and an informal opportunity to meet fellow WIPL members and learn more about the organization's initiatives.
Wednesday, April 29, 1:30–3 p.m. | Closing session: It’s an experiment! Musings on leadership, creativity and careersTech Talk Stage
“The people who are happiest in their career path treat their careers as an experiment, not an identity.” Within this statement lives a world of possibility to try new things, explore curious questions and continue to grow in a career that brings you joy and fulfillment.
Bridget Meadows, owner of Bridget Meadows Coaching and a pet food industry veteran, will examine the concept of experimental thinking within a career and how it can powerfully shift your mindset, build your resilience and open up new possibilities for happiness at work. A panel of professionals who have made such career pivots will also share their experiences.
Details on additional meetups will be announced soon. To stay connected, join the WIPL community on LinkedIn.
Paul Ward Photography
Paul Ward Photography
